Why stay?

With stunning vistas of Marina Bay, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is ideally placed to provide guests with one of the best locations in the city, on the shoreline of the Marina Reservoir where both the historical and modern meet.

The neighborhood

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is just a few minutes walk from the Esplanade Theaters, with shopping opportunities at several malls nearby. Suntec Convention Centre is a short stroll away by covered walkway. For F1 fans it’s right on the track, affording some of the best views of the race.

Mandarin Oriental Singapore - Family Theme Suite

The feel

Originally opened in the Eighties, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is one example of designer John Portman’s atrium hotels. 2023 saw the hotel undergo a renovation which has given it modern, contemporary feel, expertly executing a subtle facelift and adding muted Peranakan colors, while retaining the quiet luxury for which the hotel is renowned.

Guest quarters

With 510 rooms and suites to suit guests from solo travelers to intergenerational family groups, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore’s deluxe rooms start at around 33 square meters with the Presidential Suite spanning 178 square meters of prime Singapore real estate. Rooms feel spacious and inviting. Those with a Marina Reservoir view promise a stunning peek at the city from sunrise to sunset: a view that displays Singapore at its iconic best.

Thoughtful touches include a pillow menu and fresh orchids. Bathrooms feature a rain shower and separate bath, well lit and supplied with Diptyque toiletries. A separate set is provided on the bath caddy, providing a restful bathing experience. The shower is designed so that guests can easily reach the controls without being engulfed in water that’s too hot or too cold (a pet peeve for many travelers).

Food and drink

Options here are many and varied (there are 10 to choose from), including all day dining at Embu where any craving can be satisfied, be it local laksa, Indian curries, or fresh seafood. Dolce Vita offers a taste of the Mediterranean with memorable Italian cuisine, while the excellent Cherry Garden by Chef Fei showcases the best of Cantonese and Teochew cuisine. Fine dining can also be enjoyed at Japanese restaurant Zuicho. Morton’s Steakhouse has been a Singapore fixture for years, with the bar continuing to serve complimentary filet mignon sandwiches alongside its martinis between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., Monday to Thursday. MO Bar does creative cocktails in a comfortable contemporary space with a front-row view of Marina Reservoir (their modern take on a Singapore Sling is well worth a try). Bay@5 allows guests the opportunity to dine outside and make the most of the tropical climate, while the Lobby Lounge serves afternoon tea and The Mandarin Cake Shop offers sweet treats to take away.

Mandarin Oriental Singapore - The Mandarin Cake Shop

Wellness factor

It is clear why the hotel’s spa consistently wins awards. Treatments are professional and thorough, with the same attention to detail that suffuses the hotel. The 90-minute Oriental Essence Massage using custom blended oils and movements is the perfect stress buster. Therapists will also helpfully suggest exercises you can continue at home to maintain the feeling. Complimentary daily wellness and fitness classes are offered, such as yoga and HIIT classes, while the round-the-clock gym provides the opportunity to keep fit at all hours.

Family matters

In addition to family rooms, Mandarin Oriental Singapore has a number of themed rooms, up to family suites inspired by a safari experience, outer space, and the underwater world, with special kid-friendly amenities and a pal for the stay: Mini MO Rajah, a cuddly lion that is the hotel’s mascot. Smaller guests under six can enjoy complimentary meals at Embu, which has its own safari-themed corner.

Sustainability cred

Mandarin Oriental Singapore is certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Sustainability efforts across the hotel include a Nordaq in-house water bottling system, a green linen program, and digital guest directory.

What else?

Guests booking club rooms have access to Haus 65, an elegant club lounge which opens at 6:30 a.m. for champagne breakfast. The calm, contemporary design inspires relaxation. Stay all day if you so wish, enjoy afternoon tea and cocktails, taking in a nightcap before it closes at 11 p.m. The hotel also offers signature tours with Singapore Sidecars that will take you on a 30-minute tailored ride in a vintage vespa. Apparently the sidecar is at the same height above the road as an F1 car, which, coupled with the opportunity to see some of the track (outside of F1 prep times), makes for a thrilling experience.

Each Mandarin Oriental has a custom fan created in their own signature design and color. Here, it’s based on the design by Singaporean artist Hans Tan featuring Peranakan motifs; a ceramic version is displayed in the lobby.

Reviewed by Alison Marshall

mandarinoriental.com
+65 6338 0066
5 Raffles Ave., Singapore 039797

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore: A Renovated Classic

Singapore Hotels

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